Within these walls
Historic schoolhouse restored, marker unveiled at Soapstone By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com PICKENS — A historical marker on the More »
This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
ON A ROLL!! LIBERTY OVERCOMES SLOW START FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN LIONS LOOKING TOWARDS CLINTON; GREEN WAVE PREPARE FOR MANN; More »
Pickens Lip Sync Battle sparks community unity
PICKENS — The second annual Lip Sync Battle was held at the Pickens Amphitheater on Saturday, bringing music, laughter and More »
Grand opening held for Hagood Mill Pavilion
The grand opening of the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill Historic Site was held on Friday at a free community More »
PC Habitat for Humanity to host dinner next week
COUNTY Pickens County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) invites neighbors, supporters, and community partners to gather for the Have a Heart More »
4th annual Barns, Boots, Brew and Silent Auction set for Oct. 7
EASLEY — Family Promise of Pickens County is excited to present its 4th Annual Barn, Boots Brew and Silent Auction More »
Movers and shakers change the world
In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 11: 24-26 says “Of the Jews five times received I forty lashes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in 
the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.”
In the New Testament, especially during the week before the crucifixion, the Pharisees and Romans saw Jesus as a troublemaker. Throughout history, it has been nothing uncommon for many to see
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Letters to the Editor
Truth, honor, integrity
Dear Editor,
Truth, honor, integrity … these and others like them are valued qualities. Rather, they used to be, and maybe they still are among a few … a dwindling few. I suppose throughout history their value has risen and fallen, or been treasured by one group while being despised another.
The knights of middle-age Europe had their code of conduct. They valued such. But then along came the pirates on the high seas, and they had an opposing kind of code. In China, it was Confucians versus Khans … truth, honor, integrity opposing wealth, power, influence. Perhaps that has always been the
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Seniors going back to work?
A small recent survey revealed that 51 percent of the retired senior respondents are considering going back to work, also known as “unretiring.” The reason, of course, won’t be a great surprise: They need to 
go back to work because the cost of everything is going up. The amount of money they’re trying to earn is $500 per month on average.
To be considered before you rush into unretirement:
— If you’re collecting Social Security and are under full retirement age, your benefit amount might be reduced while
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Create your own Veterans Legacy Memorial page
The Department of Veterans Affairs has just expanded the use of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the online digital platform dedicated to the memory of veterans who have passed away. Until now, a 
page for a veteran was created, usually by family, after that veteran died. Now the new feature — “Your Story, Your Legacy” — means that living veterans can create their own
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Courier Obituaries 2-19-25
WILLIAM ‘BILL’ C. FORTNER JR.
EASLEY — William “Bill” C. Fortner Jr. of Easley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, with his wife Norma by his side.
Born in Greenville, on March 8, 1951, Bill was the son of the late Carl “Skeet” and Florence “Tick” Fortner, who supported him throughout his Little League games, Boy Scouts, school sports and various activities. He was a proud member of Landmark Baptist Church.
A proud 1969 graduate of Easley High School, Bill was especially honored to have been part of the state champion football team. He was a proud Air Force veteran. Following his service in the Air Force, Bill worked for AT&T for more than 40 years, from which he later retired.
Bill was also one of Clemson’s most devoted fans. He loved BBQ, camping, fishing, attending bluegrass festivals and taking care of his wife, Norma. Bill preferred watching war movies, documentaries and shows like “Mountain Men,” “Barnwood Builders,” “Building Off the Grid” and anything related to fishing.
A die-hard Southern rock fan, Bill had a special fondness for the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, his love for music deepened when he discovered bluegrass, particularly the music of Tony Rice.
He enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a Coke Zero and had an immense love for Breyers chocolate ice cream — he probably ate enough to feed all of Pickens County!
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Brooks Fortner; four sons, Ben Fortner (Stacey) and Scott Fortner (Lynn), Justin Chappell (Cassie) and Devin Chappell (Rebecca); one daughter, Amber Sheriff (Brian); grandchildren, William Fortner, Mia Fortner, Jackson Chappell, Nellie Ray Chappell, Lynlee Marie Chappell, Mason Sheriff and Sawyer Sheriff; and one sister, Cathy Pittman (Don).
Funeral services were conducted Feb. 16 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.
In honor of Bill, those who were in attendance were encouraged to wear Clemson colors.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
CLEONE BREAZEALE HAYES
PICKENS — Cleone Breazeale Hayes, 92, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Ms. Hayes was born in Pickens, on Jan. 28, 1933, to the late William
The continuing importance of Black History Month
No one has played a greater role in helping all Americans know the black past than Carter G. Woodson, the individual who created Negro History Week in Washington, D.C., in February 1926. Woodson was 
the second black American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard—following W.E.B. Du Bois by a few years. To Woodson, the black experience was too important simply to be left to a small group of academics. Woodson believed that his role was to use black history and culture as a weapon in the struggle for racial uplift. By 1916, Woodson had moved to DC and established the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and Culture,” an organization whose goal was to
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KidsFest and YAMs coming to Hagood Mill on March 15
PICKENS — KidsFest is coming to Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, March 15.
The event, held in partnership with the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAMs), is a family-friendly 
event featuring performances from local YAMs students, a traditional talent show and interactive games and activities.
Attendees can enjoy hands-on experiences like Paint the
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The Willows of Easley lauded in recent survey
EASLEY — The Willows of Easley recently announced its achievement of an outstanding overall 
resident satisfaction score in the most recent resident survey conducted toward the end of 2024.
The recognition highlights The Willows of Easley’s commitment to
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Courier Community Calendar 2-19-25
• SMEC set to host annual oyster roast
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will host its annual oyster roast from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at 1200 Powdersville Road in Easley.
Proceeds from the event benefit multiple charitable organizations in Pickens County. Attendees will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, Brunswick stew, sides, and beverages (photo ID required). If oysters aren’t your favorite, the event offers many additional food options. Tickets are $45 for adults, $10 for children 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Rain or shine, oyster-shucking takes place outdoors, so attendees should dress accordingly. Please also bring personal oyster knives and gloves.Tickets are available for purchase by mail or at the church office, and order forms are available at
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